Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is the best two weeks on the sports calendar. The jump from regular-season to postseason hockey brings an intensity unlike anything in sports. Hatred, upsets, sudden-death overtime – it’s all there.
With four games some nights, keeping track of all the action gets challenging. Here’s our Round 1 watchability rankings, predicting which series will deliver the most entertainment.
A = Atlantic Division
M = Metropolitan Division
C = Central Division
P = Pacific Division
WC = Wild card
1. C2 Stars vs. C3 Avalanche
This is a Stanley Cup Final-worthy series happening in Round 1. Both teams rank among the NHL’s elite, yet one will exit early.
Mikko Rantanen faces his former team for the first time in the playoffs.
Will Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog return after missing nearly three years? He hasn’t played an NHL game since lifting the Cup in 2022.
This matchup promises high-end skill and compelling storylines throughout.
2. A2 Lightning vs. A3 Panthers
The Battle of Florida returns for its fourth edition in five years. A Florida team has represented the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Final for five straight seasons.
The hatred between these rivals is genuine. Previous matchups have featured plenty of post-whistle activity but haven’t been particularly close – Lightning won in six (2021) and swept (2022) before Panthers won in five (2024).
This could be the year we finally get a seven-game series between these talented teams.
3. A1 Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Senators
The Battle of Ontario is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Toronto dominated Ottawa in the early 2000s, winning four straight playoff meetings.
Daniel Alfredsson remains involved, now as a Senators assistant coach. Max Domi follows in his father Tie’s footsteps by wearing the Maple Leafs jersey in this rivalry.
All pressure sits on Toronto, making their ninth straight playoff appearance with a dismal 1-8 series record during that span.
Ottawa enters after snapping a seven-year playoff drought with nothing to lose.
4. P2 Kings vs. P3 Oilers
These teams meet in Round 1 for the fourth consecutive season. Edmonton has won all three previous matchups.
Bad blood already boiled over Monday with 69 combined penalty minutes and a one-game suspension for Darnell Nurse after cross-checking Quinton Byfield in the head.
Kings center Phillip Danault accused the Oilers of trying to hurt them. Corey Perry responded, “What the f—?”
This series promises intensity from the opening faceoff.
5. C1 Jets vs. WC2 Blues
Winnipeg won the Presidents’ Trophy, but St. Louis enters the playoffs on a 13-2-1 run.
Connor Hellebuyck is the likely Vezina Trophy winner but has struggled in recent playoffs with an .875 save percentage over the past two postseasons.
Jordan Binnington defeated Hellebuyck in Round 1 in 2019 en route to the Blues’ Stanley Cup. He also beat him in the 4 Nations Face-Off final this season.
The Schenn brothers face off with Brayden (Blues) against Luke (Jets) – family ties temporarily severed for playoff hockey.
6. M1 Capitals vs. WC2 Canadiens
This could become a high-scoring series. Washington’s starting goalie Logan Thompson hasn’t played since April 2 and might be rusty.
If Thompson can’t play, Charlie Lindgren has struggled with an .882 save percentage in relief.
Montreal brings impressive offensive firepower for an eighth seed, though their defensive play remains inconsistent.
7. M2 Hurricanes vs. M3 Devils
This matchup would rank higher if Jack Hughes weren’t sidelined for New Jersey.
The December 28 meeting between these teams featured physical play that could escalate in a playoff setting.
Carolina defeated New Jersey 4-1 in their 2023 first-round matchup.
8. P1 Golden Knights vs. WC1 Wild
Vegas enters as the heavy favorite, having dominated Minnesota in recent years, including a seven-game first-round victory in 2021.
The Wild have gotten healthier recently but will need Kirill Kaprizov to be exceptional. He has 10 goals in 19 career playoff games.
Minnesota will need more than just Kaprizov to challenge the defending champions.
